WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow, Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry, today announced her sponsorship of bipartisan legislation that would lift the more than 50-year-long Cuban trade embargo. In January, Stabenow went to Cuba as part of a congressional delegation seeking to normalize trade relations between the countries. That visit marked Stabenow’s second visit to the nation.

“Lifting the Cuban trade embargo represents a tremendous opportunity for Michigan and America’s farmers, ranchers, and manufacturers,” said Stabenow, Ranking Member of the Senate Agriculture Committee. “After more than 50 years of stalemate, it’s time for a new policy on Cuba. By laying the groundwork for normal commercial relations, we can begin to provide greater access to the Cuban people to American products and more democratic ideas. I look forward to working with my colleagues on this bipartisan bill.”

The Freedom to Export to Cuba Act, also sponsored by U.S. Sens. Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Patrick Leahy (D-VT), Jeff Flake (R-AZ), and Mike Enzi (R-WY), would comprehensively lift the Cuban trade embargo allowing U.S. companies to export products – including agricultural commodities and farm equipment – directly to Cuba. While the legislation would permit American consumers to purchase Cuban-made products, the bill would not lift travel restrictions. Additionally, the bill would remove financial restrictions on business transactions and allow U.S. banks to extend credit to Cubans for the purchase of American farm goods, auto parts, and other consumer products.